Santangelo Helps Expos Reach 21

Daily News Wire Services

Posted: April 29, 1996

F.P. was more than OK.

F.P. Santangelo, starting in place of injured centerfielder Rondell White, set career bests with four hits and five RBI and the Montreal Expos used two grand slams to set a team record for runs in a game with a 21-9 victory yesterday over the host Colorado Rockies.

``I'm an extra guy on the bench, so it was just fun for me to get some at-bats and to play - period,'' said Santangelo, who missed hitting for the cycle when he pulled up at second base with a ninth-inning double.

``I was on second base for probably a pitch or two before it entered my mind that I should've gone for the triple,'' he said. ``I had it, but I just pulled up because we were ahead by so many runs.''

The Expos, who had scored 19 runs six times in their 28-year history, led 5-0 after Darrin Fletcher's second grand slam of the season in the first inning, and Santangelo quickly made it 6-0 with his first homer.

David Segui hit his third career grand slam in the eighth inning and finished with a career-best six RBI. Fletcher's five matched his personal high.

Montreal battered Rockies starter Bryan Rekar (1-2) for 11 runs - seven in the first - and finished with a season-high 20 hits. Rekar, whose ERA ballooned to 13.97, was optioned to Triple A Colorado Springs after the game.

White, injured Saturday while making a diving catch and crashing into the outfield wall, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised kidney.

The Expos have not announced a replacement for White, who is hitting .300 with three homers and 19 RBI.